The Beauty Pro Book Club: 4 Reads to Inspire Growth and Success
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
by Anne Moratto
Behind the Scenes: Catherine DePoole
A nail technician at She’s Got Nails in Westland, Mich., Catherine did sculptured acrylic nails on this month’s cover model.
by Staff
February 1, 1997
"I didn't realize all the lighting, the hand positioning and how many different backdrops it takes until you find the right look," said Catherine DePoole about her first NAILS cover shoot.
3 min to read
"I didn't realize all the lighting, the hand positioning and how many different backdrops it takes until you find the right look," said Catherine DePoole about her first NAILS cover shoot.
A nail technician at She’s Got Nails in Westland, Mich., Catherine did sculptured acrylic nails on this month’s cover model.
Polish: Develop 10 Party Pewter and Orly International Silver Bells.
Photography by Caesar Lima; stylist: Shawna Clark, Visage; model: Kristina Brady.
To make her dream of becoming a hairstylist come true, Catherine De- Poole enrolled in cosmetology school. Little did she know that her dream would take a bit of a turn. During the nail portion of the curriculum, DePoole discovered that nails were her passion, so she switched to a nails-only program. “I like taking something raw and making something out of it,” says DePoole, who works as a nail technician and manager at She’s Got Nails in West- land, Mich. “I love the pleased look on my clients’ faces when I’m done,” she adds.
DePoole also loves competing. She got hit by the competition bug early — as a nail student—and won first place in her first-ever competition. Says DePoole, “I’m a very competitive person, and I thrive on stressful situations.” Her competitive streak has landed her a comfortable spot on NAILS’ 1996 Top 25 Competitors Ranking, which was her goal for 1996.
Another outstanding achievement for DePoole took place last June at the NAILS Industry Awards where she was named runner-up for Nail Technician of the Year. And her six-year nail rdsum6 doesn’t end there. DePoole is also an educator for Galaxy Nail Products. She got involved in educating so she could instruct nail technicians on how chemicals work and how products work. “Nail technicians need to know a lot more than just how to apply the product,” says DePoole. “If they’re using the product incorrectly, it can lead to a potentially dangerous situation. Learning as much as you can about nail products also brings a higher level of professionalism.”
But DePoole is not about to rest on her laurels. One of her goals for 1997 was to do a NAILS cover, which she actually achieved in November of last year (the result of which is this month’s cover). The most unexpected part of the photo shoot, says DePoole, was when managing editor Erika Kotite came over with a magnifying glass to look at the model’s nails. “My eyes nearly fell out. It’s very different than having a competition judge behind a drape looking at your nails. Next time I compete, I’m taking a magnifying glass with me,” she says.
What’s next for this go- getting goal-setter? To open her own nails-only salon, but first DePoole and her husband would like to start a family. She would also like to become a nail instructor at a beauty school, but as it stands, the state of Michigan requires a cosmetology license for that. Maybe DePoole’s next goal will be to try to change the law.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Business
Create a Salon Suite That Reflects Your Brand and Delights Your Clients
The most successful salon suites balance personality, function, and comfort. Megan Communale of My Salon Suite shares her best advice for designing a space that supports your business goals and leaves a lasting impression on every guest.
by Anne Moratto
Square's 2026 Local Economy Report Reveals the Neighborhood Network Effect
Square data shows that regular customers tip 11% higher and are shared across 32% of businesses in the same ZIP code, driving thousands of dollars in additional revenue per connection.
Precision, Passion, and the Business of Beauty
When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.
Sponsored by Amex
The Golden Touch: Luxury Service Helps Drive Loyalty at J Gold Salon
Inside the Systems That Power an Elevated Salon Experience From seamless online booking to a team-first culture, J Gold Salon in Atlanta offers more than great hair—it delivers consistent, high-touch service with the help of partners like Boulevard and American Express.
Sponsored by Amex
How to Build Career Connections in Beauty: Expert Networking Advice from K18’s Sabrina Sanborn
Want to grow your career as a beauty professional? K18 Sales Manager Sabrina Sanborn shares advice on networking, mentorship, and self-advocacy—from attending hair shows to finding the right guidance to reach your goals.
How Can I Minimize Cancellations and No-Shows?
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Nailtorious Iconz Beauty Academy Announces the Rollout of its Professional Product Line
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
Stylists Share Their Advice for the Post-Holiday Quiet Period
This period after the holidays can bring on a huge lull for hairstylists. We asked Cosmo Prof's team of professionals to offer their best advice on how to deal with the January-February slow period.
10 Housing and Interior Design Trends for 2025
Key highlights include a push toward inclusive spaces for all abilities, an emphasis on maximizing livable square footage, and a continued love for modern farmhouse exteriors.
Prepare for Small Business Saturday® with American Express
The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.
Sponsored by Amex
6 Quick Tips for Building Financial Mastery
Want to become savvy about your personal finances, but don't quite know where to start? Anna Manukyan identifies six important concepts for building a strong financial foundation.
Success at the Top: Thriving on Madison Ave.
Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.
Sponsored by Amex
The Salon Today 2024 Technology Solutions Guide
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Where Should My Money Live: An Account Breakdown
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
Vagaro’s New AI Features and Communication Tool Pave the Way for a More Efficient, Profitable Business
Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.
Sponsored by Vagaro
Young Nails Biz Talk: Are You Getting Too Close to Clients?
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.